December 17, (THEWILL) –The Federal Government has launched a proposed wind Turbine Technology Farm and Small Hydro -Power (SHP) Solar PV Electricity Pilot Scheme Project in Jaredi and Shagari earth dam in Sokoto State.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, disclosed this during the 3-day expanded stakeholders’ engagement and interactive Consultation on the proposed project in the state.
He said the choice of Sokoto was based on all available data and reports suggesting the state has favourable renewable energy potentials.
He noted that the Federal Government, through his Ministry, will continue to explore new ways to increase renewable energy deployment in the quest to overcome the energy crises bedevilling the country.
He maintained that his ministry is having a very good working relationship with international, regional and relevant stakeholder energy organisations for the purpose of facilitating the needed development in the energy sector of Nigeria.
“This harmonious working relationship will provide solutions and also explore the huge potential renewable energy resources available for the rapid transformation of our national economy,” Mamora assured.
The Minister also said the essence of the expanded stakeholders’ engagement was to seek a way forward for the country to deepen, grow and develop her energy sector for sustainable national development.
Mamora promised that his ministry would continue to harness the nation’s abundance of renewable energy resources to its fullest.
In his address, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State pledged to provide the required land free for the Federal Government as part of the state’s contribution to the takeoff of the project.
Tambuwal, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmad Mainasara, also requested the Federal Government to compensate the Sokoto State Government and take over its Independent Power Project (IPP).
Tambuwal noted that the projects, which were conceived by the previous state administration, have consumed huge amounts of resources and if completed, will ease power outages in the state.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Monilola Udo, noted that Nigeria has significant infrastructural challenges, especially in the energy sector generation and distribution network.
Mrs. Monilola, who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Renewable Energy, Mathias Eluma, also noted that the current administration, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, is working to significantly improve on indices, which are related to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal No .7 (SDGs).
“This is important and will boost access to energy, improve life expectancy, provide jobs, reduce poverty and hunger, tackle insecurity, improve health, education and sanitation”, she said.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
